Saint Bernard Cost

Last Updated on March 12, 2022
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Saint Bernard breed is considered one of the largest dog breeds. Already known for their slightly sad facial expressions, these dogs are, in fact, friendly, calm, patient, and very easy to train.

These are some of the most beautiful dogs and are also known as “mountain dogs” or “dogs of the Alps”, because, originally, they were used as hunting dogs, rescue dogs, search dogs, and guard dogs. It is believed that they were created after crossing Tibetan Mastiff dogs from the Roman army, during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

How Much Does a Saint Bernard Cost?

The cost of a Saint Bernard is influenced by many factors including the age of the dog (older puppies, that needed more care are more expensive), the place you buy it from (it would cost less compared to buying from a reputable breeder), condition (a healthy dog will be more expensive), inclusions (the costs will get higher if you also get registration papers, vet examination, a starter bag of dog food and pedigree), and the warranties (it proves that the dog does not have any hidden health problems).

Considering all the factors mentioned above, the price of a Saint Bernard dog is anywhere between $470 and $2,100.

Saint Bernard details

The physical appearance of the dog is imposing, with very well-proportioned muscles. The head is also strong and imposing, the cheeks well developed, and the skin on the forehead forms obvious wrinkles, specific to the breed.

The muzzle of purebred dogs is short, the ears are of medium length, the eyes are dark brown, the fur is very dense and short, which becomes shorter towards the tip of the tail. Hair color is: red with white, white with red or white with striped areas, all shades of red in dots. The white areas are always the same: legs, tip of the tail, chest, whole neck or part, a spot on the forehead, and muzzle.

There are two types of Saint Bernard: the one with short hair has a thick, smooth fur, glued to the body, while the type with long hair has a straight fur, of medium length, with an abundant substrate.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Tibetan Mastiff, Alaskan Malamute, or Caucasian Shepherd.

The weight of the dogs is between 143 and 275 pounds, and the average lifespan is between 8 and 10 years. A purebred female can give birth to up to 16 Saint Bernard puppies.

Important things to consider

When you choose to buy a Saint Bernard puppy, you must go to a serious breeder, who will show you the health certificates of both parents; they do this to show you that none of them suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism. Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary conditions, common in large breeds.

They are not suitable pets for an apartment because they need space to run and stay healthy.

When they are young, Saint Bernard dogs need to walk twice a day, but as they get older they lose energy and are less eager to walk. He is not an aggressive dog with those around him.

What are the extra costs?

In case you need to have your new pet delivered, be prepared to pay anywhere between $160 and $360 for the shipping fees, depending on the breeder and the distance.

They are stubborn and independent dogs, but they listen to what they are told and follow the rules. Training must be started at an early age, and this will turn him into a very understanding dog. You should budget around $125 for an individual training class and $210 to $310 for a bundled package. Private sessions cost $40 to $210, depending on the number of sessions.

You should budget around $40 if you want to register your Saint Bernard at the AKC (American Kernel Club) for the cheapest package.

Giant-sized dogs, in addition to having a gigantic appetite, need a varied ratio of minerals and vitamins to support the various needs of the joints and cartilage. The Saint Bernard is prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller and more frequent meals can help reduce this risk. The price of one 5.5-oz can of high-quality dog food starts at $2.

Dental care is important for this breed of dog to remove tartar deposits. You can purchase Greenies Dental Dog Treats & Dog Chew for around $25.

In case the dog needs tooth extraction it would cost you anywhere between $400 and $600, while cleaning and polishing would set you back almost $200.

The fur of purebred dogs should be brushed at least three times a week with a rubber brush or a special short fur glove. Saint Bernards also have periods of time in which they shed abundantly, and they must be brushed daily to remove dead hair. In case you want to take your dog to a grooming salon be prepared to pay anywhere between $80 and $100.

It is a breed that can have quite a few diseases unlike other breeds, and specific diseases include hip and shoulder dysplasia, aortic stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy, gastric dilation, hypothyroidism, retinal dysplasia, epilepsy, and allergies. That is why you should bring your dog to the vet for periodic exams. The price of a physical exam is around $35, for deworming you will have to pay almost $25, the cost of a vaccine starts at $18, and in order to spay a female, you will have to pay around $45 and for a male $75.

How can I save money?

Consider adopting a Saint Bernard instead of buying one. You may find one at a rescue shelter and you will have to pay only a small fee.